Feb 4 Microsoft Names Satya Nadella as CEO

Today Microsoft announced that its board of directors has appointed Satya Nadella as the new Chief Executive Officer and an official member of the board of directors. The change in position takes effect immediately. Bill Gates said:

“During this time of transformation, there is no better person to lead Microsoft than Satya Nadella. Satya is a proven leader with hard-core engineering skills, business vision and the ability to bring people together. His vision for how technology will be used and experienced around the world is exactly what Microsoft needs as the company enters its next chapter of expanded product innovation and growth.”

Nadella joined the company in 1992 and has since lead major strategy and technical shifts across the company. Nadella said:

“Microsoft is one of those rare companies to have truly revolutionized the world through technology, and I couldn’t be more honored to have been chosen to lead the company. The opportunity ahead for Microsoft is vast, but to seize it, we must focus clearly, move faster and continue to transform. A big part of my job is to accelerate our ability to bring innovative products to our customers more quickly.”

Steve Ballmer announced on August 23, 2013 that he would retire and a successor would be named within a year. Ballmer said:

“Having worked with him for more than 20 years, I know that Satya is the right leader at the right time for Microsoft. I’ve had the distinct privilege of working with the most talented employees and senior leadership team in the industry, and I know their passion and hunger for greatness will only grow stronger under Satya’s leadership.”